Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has reported a significant decrease in travel and accidents on the road network during the New Year's holiday as of December 30, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry's Transportation Safety Operations Center (TSOC) revealed that travel decreased by 13.28%, and accidents saw a 30% reduction compared to the previous year. The Ministry continues to urge the public to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic laws.
The TSOC's data indicated that the public transportation systems adequately accommodated travelers, with no reports of stranded passengers. A total of 2,774,939 individuals used public transportation, marking a 13.28% decrease from December 27, 2024. Of these, 2,497,104 traveled domestically, with rail systems being the most utilized, accounting for 47.18% of domestic travel. Regional travel statistics showed that the Central Region recorded the highest outbound air travel, while the Southern Region had the highest inbound air travel. In contrast, the Northeastern, Northern, and Eastern Regions saw significant road travel.
International public transport also experienced a decrease, with a total of 277,835 travelers, representing a 19.47% decline. Traffic on 12 major highways entering and exiting Bangkok totaled 1,108,029 vehicles, a 3.35% reduction. Meanwhile, travel within Bangkok on expressways decreased by 37%.
Safety measures were a priority, with the Ministry inspecting 16,279 buses nationwide, finding 11 with defects. While ten buses required repairs, one was replaced. Additionally, inspections of 145 ports and piers and 824 boats found no defects, and all personnel tested negative for alcohol and drugs.
Accident statistics highlighted 195 incidents on the land network, resulting in 212 injuries and 21 fatalities. Speeding was the leading cause, with motorcycles involved in most accidents. Nakhon Sawan and Roi Et provinces recorded the highest fatalities, while Suphan Buri had the most accidents. Compared to the previous year, accidents decreased by 30%, fatalities by 58%, and injuries by 23%. The rail network experienced three accidents with one injury, while waterways and air networks reported no incidents.
The Ministry has directed its agencies to ensure traveler safety and convenience during the New Year holiday. Initiatives include free parking provided by the Civil Aviation Training Center and Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, along with increased aircraft and flight inspections by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
The public is encouraged to use the Traffic Safety Center hotline and Department of Highways hotline for assistance and travel information, available 24 hours a day.